By Jennifer Miller
Local parents and experts are still concerned about the sugar content of non-carbonated beverages, even after a recent move by beverage providers to pull soft drinks from elementary schools.
The alternative beverages offered to children, such as fruit drinks and sport drinks, contain no more nutritional value than pop, says Olly Woodin, a nutritionist at the Centretown Community Health Centre. She adds that the initiative is a move in the right direction.
“Just because it doesn’t have bubbles, doesn’t mean it’s good for you,” says Woodin.
Refreshments Canada, an organization representing beverage companies, announced that at least half of the new choices will be water or 100 per cent fruit juices.
But Woodin noted that the other half, sport and fruit drinks, list sugar as their second or third ingredient. Sugar is also second in Coca-Cola.
The move could also make people think these sugary drinks are healthier than carbonated ones, says Greg Davis, co-chair of the school council at Elgin Street Public School.
“I think it’s quite misleading,” Davis, the mother of a nine-year-old, says. “A fruit drink is no better than a pop.”
So far, Elgin Street Public School doesn’t have any vending machines, and Davis hopes they never will.
Heather-Jane Robertson, an Ottawa education specialist and former teacher, says the announcement is a public relations “ploy,” and carbonated drinks are not the only concern.
“Those who market to kids have been extremely devious.”
Woodin agrees. She argues the beverage companies are doing this to improve their image.
Robertson says there are other issues, aside from the sugar content in various drinks.
Schools would not have vending machines unless they needed money, she says, adding that governments are to blame for underfunding. Another problem the vending machines represent is marketing to children, says Robertson. Ten years ago, it was shocking to see advertising in schools, but now hallways are full of name-brand items like Fruitopia and Powerade, she says.
Davis is also concerned about the trend.
“I personally object to the advertising,” she says.
Ottawa-Carleton school board trustee, Joan Spice, says the board has identified nutrition as “a major priority” in the coming three years.
Spice agrees the sugar content of some non-carbonated drinks is cause for concern.
She says she would also like to see soft drinks taken out of highschools, but “there’s been no call to have them removed.”
Robertson says she would like children to be encouraged to drink water – but from fountains, not bottles.
Water seems to be the top pick for nutritionists as well.
“Water is best,” Woodin agrees.
Carbonated drinks will be removed from schools by September 2004, according to Refreshments Canada.